A Quality Teacher Training Program in
Classical Ballet
Since the establishment of the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet in 1991 by Christine Walsh AM and Ricardo Ella, the institution has gained prominence for its professional ballet training effectively preparing dancers for ballet and dance companies worldwide. Over time the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet evolved from being uniquely a school to comprising into three entities: a school, a training program syllabus and a production company performing regularly at the Arts Centre, Melbourne.
The syllabus is based on the principles of the renowned Vaganova method of classical ballet training, expertly tailored to meet the needs of both Australian and international students who attend academic day schools. Over a thousand teachers have learned the program in Australia, the United Kingdom, the USA, China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Macau and Singapore over the last thirty years.
The training syllabus known as Ballet Consservatoire has continued to enjoy recognition from the international dance community for its integrity and high standards in classical. ballet training.
Ballet Conservatoire Levels
Pre-Primary (5-7 years) - The enjoyment of dance whilst beginning to learn the discipline of classical ballet training and musicality
Primary (7-9 years) - More formal commencement of classical ballet training, but still including free expression work
Preparatory Level 1 (7-10 years) - Careful development of the classical ballet technique, vocabulary of steps and expressivity
Level 1 (8-11 years) - Increased vocabulary of steps including, turning steps, greater Demi-pointe work, body alignments and use of the head
Level 2 (9-12 years) - Development of greater flexibility and strength, increased en l'air work including big poses, greater use of épaulement and more complex enchaînement
Level 3 (10-13 years) - Increase in complex steps, introduction of pirouettes, increased allegro work and preparation for pointe work
Level 4 (11-14 years) - Continued technical skill development in complex and longer enchaînements, advanced adagio and pointe work introduced. Development in artistic performance expressivity
Level 5 (12-14 years) - Introduction to advanced technique with increased Demi-pointe and pointe work, more complex adagio, allegro and batterie, and increased maturity in artistic development
Senior Level (13-16 years) - Advanced, pre-professional technique in all areas, artistic expression further developed in preparation for professional performance
Excellence (15 years and over) - Virtuosity and solo training in preparation for a professional career in classical ballet.